Council approves airport grant

ODESSA — The Odessa Town Council voted Monday to deny a request to vacate a portion of an alley in Block 5 between East Fifth and East Sixth avenues, citing concerns over access costs and safety after a public hearing drew opposition from residents worried about utility maintenance and vehicle navigation.

The decision followed a letter from resident Dennis Bergquist’s attorney, who supported the closure as long as it didn’t restrict his access. Council members debated the undeveloped west end, filled with rocks and trees, estimating high costs to make it usable.

“I think it’s more of a safety concern,” said Mayor William Crossley, noting the alley’s proximity to a home’s window.

The council agreed not to proceed, with Councilmember Vickie Iverson saying, “I don’t think we should close it at this time.”

In other action, the council approved Resolution 2026-04 accepting a Washington State Department of Transportation grant for airport improvements. It also greenlit Building Permit 2026-03 for a garage at 4 W. Fourth Ave., where the owner plans to replace an existing structure with a larger one.

However, Building Permit 2026-04 for a garden fence at 604 E. First Ave. was tabled for two weeks to verify compliance with fencing regulations, described it as deer fencing without barbs, but council members recalled past issues with similar materials.

“I believe that type of fencing is not allowed,” said Councilmember Alberto Reyes, prompting a review.

The council reviewed Ordinance No. 486 on nuisances and junk vehicles, directing Clerk-Treasurer Jamie Nelson to update it based on examples from Ephrata, including prohibitions on parking on grass or dirt. A proposed interlocal contract with Lincoln County for Spillman software was tabled amid concerns over added costs, starting at $4,000 per device and rising annually.

In public comments, updates included the pickleball court project, with a meeting set for next week, and a wine tasting fundraiser May 1 to benefit basketball courts.

Department reports covered hiring a new public works employee, lifeguard applications, police recruitment, fire grants and open burning from March 9 to April 10.

At the previous Feb. 23 meeting, the council held a public hearing on the alley request, postponing a decision for research, and approved hiring a groundskeeper while discussing pool improvements and police body camera policies.